Barrak First Juvenile Winner Of 2024
The 2yo team is always an exciting prospect at this stage of the year. All are blank slates and the possibilities are endless. Some of those dreams and expectations can diminish once the first once begin to hit the track but thankfully Barrak made a winning debut when taking the 5f Cure Leukaemia British EBF Novice Stakes at Musselburgh.
Racing has been battling the weather ever since the start of the season, with meetings being called off or run under tough conditions. This has had a slight hold up for the 2yo’s and Barrak was only the second 2yo runner for the yard. The son of Sergei Prokofiev certainly looks the part as a physical and his sire has made a great start to his stallion career, having 4 winners from the first 7 runners.
Musselburgh has been a happy hunting ground for Kevin, especially with 2yo’s. The Class 2 novice attracted just 5 runners but there were three of the field with a good level of form this early in the season. Tom Eaves would don the colours of Al Mohamediya Racing as he took the ride.
Initially jumping on terms, Barrak just ducked to his right and landed towards the rear of the quintet. Quickly into stride he moved through after the first furlong to chase the leader and be sat just about in second. The aft took them along, putting their experience to good use.
As they charged towards halfway the track juts out and Tom was quick to manoeuvre for this. With his fellow debutant just edging off a true line, on his inner, Barrak moved up to secure second, and avoid being nudged out into the centre of the track.
Now on the leader’s girths, Barrak travelled into contention with ease but now would come the unknown. Juveniles would rarely come off the bridle at home so when Tom began to niggle away the response was promising. Barrak was still going best of all and took the lead heading past the 2f pole. Tom was working away, just with his hands and educating his mount whilst keeping him moving forward.
Holding the lead, Barrak was rightfully showing signs of his inexperience but continued to find. As they ran into the final furlong he had just over a length advantage. Tom now gave him a couple of flicks to ensure concentration and also educating the colt. As his rivals began to close, with Barrak just allowing them to get closer to him, he clocked them in his eyeline. As he felt the presence of his rivals, Barrak went again to secure his debut win by 3/4 length.
It was an impressive debut from Barrak and he certainly put himself forward as a 2yo to watch. He showed bright speed and despite showing greeness, he did the job with quite a bit left in the tank. The colt is a very big, powerful juvenile so there should be plenty more development to come but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him get better in time. He looks the part and there could be some top races in the future.